Admission Requirements and Documents for International Students in Turkey

Requirements are set by each university, but the pattern is the same everywhere: a few documents to apply, and originals with translations, legalisation and an equivalence certificate to register.

By Burak Ünal, Director of University Admissions · 19 October 2026

Figures are typical values for the current academic year, checked against the official sources listed at the end. How we research and update our guides

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Who applies as an international student

Foreign nationals apply through each university's international student quota, separately from Turkish citizens. Special rules apply to some groups, for example dual citizens and Turkish citizens who completed their secondary education abroad; they are set by YÖK and each university, so ask us to check your case before you apply.

Academic requirements

For a bachelor's degree you need a completed secondary school diploma that is equivalent to a Turkish high school diploma. State universities usually rank applicants by an exam score or recognised national results; private universities often admit on your high school grades, with minimum averages for competitive programs such as medicine. For a master's or PhD you need a recognised bachelor's or master's degree, and some programs ask for ALES, GRE or GMAT scores, an interview or a research proposal.

Documents to apply

Most universities ask for scans of:

Passport photo page
High school diploma, or a provisional certificate if you are in your final year
Transcript of grades from the last three or four years
Exam results (TR-YÖS, YÖS, SAT, A levels, IB or national exams), where required
English or Turkish language certificate, if you have one
A passport-size photo; for graduate programs, a CV, statement of purpose and references

Documents to register

When you arrive to enrol, universities usually ask for:

Original diploma and transcript, with an apostille or consular legalisation
Sworn Turkish translations, often notarised
The high school equivalence certificate (denklik), or proof that you have applied
Passport with your student visa, or entry under a visa exemption
Proof of tuition payment, and photos

Language requirements

English-taught programs ask for IELTS, TOEFL or a similar certificate, or a pass in the university's own exam; otherwise you start with a preparatory year. Turkish-taught programs usually ask for a TÖMER certificate at the level the university sets (often B2 or C1), or a one-year Turkish preparatory course.

Diploma equivalence (denklik)

A secondary school diploma from abroad is recognised by the Ministry of National Education, which you apply to online through its e-Denklik system or through a Turkish education counsellor abroad; a university degree is recognised by YÖK, also through an e-Denklik system. Diplomas earned entirely online are not recognised. Universities ask for the certificate at final registration, and some give you a short period after enrolment to complete it.

Apostille and translations

If your country belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention, one apostille on each document is enough; otherwise the document needs consular legalisation, ending with a Turkish embassy or consulate. Have translations made by a sworn translator and, where asked, notarised in Turkey.

Admission Requirements and Documents for International Students in Turkey: frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to apply to a Turkish university?

To apply: passport, high school diploma or provisional certificate, transcript and a photo, plus exam or language results where the program requires them. To register: the originals with apostille or legalisation, sworn Turkish translations and the equivalence certificate.

Do I need an equivalence certificate (denklik) for my high school diploma?

Usually yes, at final registration. It is issued by the Ministry of National Education through its e-Denklik system or a Turkish education counsellor abroad; some universities let you complete it shortly after enrolment.

Can I apply before I finish high school?

Yes. Most universities accept a provisional certificate or your current transcript and give you a conditional acceptance until you submit the final diploma.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

For English-taught programs, usually IELTS, TOEFL or the university's own test; without one you can start with a preparatory year. Turkish-taught programs ask for TÖMER or a Turkish preparatory course.

Official sources

Rules, fees and quotas are set by these institutions and change every year. Check them, or ask us, before you rely on a figure.